Join the CSUSB Outdoors and enjoy a weekend of mineral hot spa and desert camping! Named after the prickly Yucca, Joshua Tree National Park is home to some of the most fascinating geologic features and desert species in Southern California; the California tree frogs and a host of cacti reside exclusively in this exquisite national park. Joshua Tree NP combines two neighboring and yet distinct desert ecosystems of the Mojave and the Colorado, where the intense interactions of Earth’s crust and geothermal energy created the unique rock formations called the monzogranite, which comprise some of the park’s most iconic landscapes. Venture into the wild with the CSUSB Outdoors on this unique opportunity to be one with nature – both in the desert and in the hot tubs!

Itinerary

Day 1:We will meet in Saturday morning at 8am at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, where we pack the van, bring the gears, and begin the 2 hours (103 miles) drive to Joshua Tree National Park. Upon arrival, we shall check in at the campsite and eat lunch. Promptly, we will depart for Barker Dam, where we hike in the desert terrain and observe the geologic formations of the national park. The mini tour will be followed by a hike to Ryan Mountain and Keys view, which stretch 3 miles long and provide 360 degree viewpoints of the park; we will stick around and watch the sunset at Keys View before heading back to the camp, where we prepare the dinner and embark on a night exploration near the vicinity of the camp. The day’s adventure will conclude with some bonfire and s’mores.

Day 2:We will begin our Sunday morning by having a hearty breakfast at 6am. After we pack the camp, the group will depart for the Fortynine Palms Oasis and take on the first hike of the day (3 miles, 300 ft elevation gain). The hike will be followed by a short visit to the Skull Rock, which features a 1.7 miles loop trail perfect for a casual stroll in the heart of Mojave/Colorado desert. Before the group heads back to the campus, we will stop by the Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel and lull in the soothing, hot mineral pools to reward ourselves for all the hard work in the desert, handsomely. We will be back at the Rec Center by 8:00pm.

How To Register

San Bernardino Campus

Registration for trips and programs takes place in person at the CSUSB Student Recreation and Wellness Center membership desk during regular operating hours. Full payment (cash, check, Visa or MasterCard) is due at time of reservation. For more information give us a call at 537-CAMP. Some programs do not require registration, are open to nonmembers and youth. See program description for details.

Palm Desert Campus

Registration for trips and programs takes place in person at the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus Administrative Offices (RG203) during regular operating hours. Call 909-537-2348 for the campus phone outside RG203 to check availability and to complete registration information. After completing registration you will make full payment by cash, check or debit card (no credit cards) to the Administrative Office. Some programs do not require registration, are open to nonmembers and youth. See program description for details.